Lewiston Arts Council celebrating 16 years of blues, jazz and rock 'n' roll

by jmaloni

Sat, Jul 10th 2010 07:00 am

by Terry Duffy

Concerts, concerts and more
concerts.

Adding to an already
fantastic entertainment lineup in northern Niagara, the Lewiston Council on the
Arts announced this week its 16th-year summer schedule of "free, great music."
Returning are such favorites as "Blue Monday," the Lewiston Jazz Project, and
"International Fridays." The concerts take place at the Hennepin Park Gazebo,
corner of Fourth and Center streets in the Village of Lewiston. All are open to
the public; and best of all, all are free.

"The concerts at the gazebo
are such nice events," says LCA Artistic Director Eva Nicklas. "The community
really enjoys coming out to hear the different bands we present each week, and
we tried to choose music that would appeal to everyone.

"So pack the cooler and a
lawn chair, bring grandma and the kids, and we'll see you there!"

She reports The Lewiston
Jazz Project opened the LCA's summer schedule Thursday evening with the New Upstate
Express at the gazebo. "It was a very nice turnout," Nicklas said of the event,
which competed that night with such happenings as the Furthur Tour at Artpark,
the Water Street Quartet in Youngstown and the Ransomville Street Dance.

Directed by Ron Corsaro,
New Upstate Express performs each week through Aug. 26. Featured will be
original as well as classic jazz repertoire, swing and modern jazz accompanied
by guest artists. All concerts begin at 7 p.m.

Nicklas points out LCA's
entertainment slate, as is typical, has appeal to all ages and tastes. This
summer's fare:

Summer of ‘69, Friday July
16. "Tune in, turn on and reunite at the region's grooviest summer happening of
the year!" says Nicklas. She reports the Summer of ‘69 features some of Lewiston's
favorite rock bands from the '60s, including the Loved Ones, County Orphanage
and the Invaders.

Grammy Award winner Gary
Baker is making a special appearance. The show gets under way at 6 p.m. at the
gazebo.

"Blue Mondays," July 19 to
Aug. 23. Considered some of the best blues presented in Western New York, "Blue
Mondays" is a past recipient of the prestigious Muddy Award.

"This eagerly awaited
series started out as a single Monday concert 15 years ago," says Nicklas.
"Now, a series of six concerts featuring the very best regional blues, the
event attracts a faithful following of blues lovers from all over WNY and
Canada."

The schedule: July 12,
Harmonica Dean & the Blue Lights; July 19, the Sonny Mayo Band; July 26,
Soul Committee; Aug. 2, Old School B-Boys; Aug. 9, Jelly Jar; Aug. 16, Double
Take Blues Band; and Aug. 23, Steve Burnside and the Original Marquis. All
shows begin at 7 p.m.

"International Fridays,"
July 23 to Aug. 13. This year, LCA will feature Celtic, German, Indian and
Native American music.

"Join us for a harmonious
celebration of cultural diversity in WNY," says Nicklas.